Hiring an Ottawa Criminal Defence Lawyer
We read an interesting blog post today from a Miami criminal defence lawyer , Brian Tannebaum, who writes about the client who knows he/ she is under investigation but is unsure whether or not to hire a criminal defence lawyer. The client is concerned that hiring a criminal lawyer will make him/her “look guilty”. Brian Tannebaum’s insightful response is that you already do look guilty, at least to the police. So, why not deal with it responsibly by hiring a criminal defence lawyer to assist you?
At Auger Hollingsworth, we get questions like that all the time from prospective clients. The strangest variation of this question is whether or not hiring a GOOD criminal lawyer will make the client look guilty. Our answer? No it just makes you look smart.
If you are under investigation, speak to a criminal defence lawyer BEFORE charges are laid. Your chances of avoiding charges increases and your anxiety level decreases if you have a lawyer stick handling for you. Knowledge is power. Get an expert to teach you what to expect.
One thing we know from experience, virtually no-one under investigation “talks” himself or herself out of trouble.
The Ottawa criminal defence lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth can assist you with the pre-charge stage if you contact our office. To schedule a meeting with an experienced criminal defence lawyer, call us at (613) 699-8192 or email [email protected]
Payment Options
Ontario’s Attorney General Chris Bentley made it clear this weekend that there is unlikely to be a change in the Legal Aid Plan any time soon. The AG acknowledged that there is no money for lawyers doing legal aid but suggested that the time for asking for higher tariffs is not now.
With legal aid hourly rates so low, many experienced lawyers will not, or cannot, take legal aid cases. If you are accused of a serious crime, consider hiring a criminal defence lawyer privately, on a payment plan. Trial dates are usually far enough in advance that an affordable plan can be put in place so that you can receive the representation you want and need to get the best outcome for your criminal charges.
Eight Useful Tips
If you’ve been charged with an Ontario criminal offence, choosing a lawyer to represent you can be tough. This is especially true given the stress and anxiety you’re already experiencing.
We can make that decision easier. Before you hire a criminal defence lawyer, ask yourself the following ten questions:
1. How many years has the lawyer been representing people with your type of case?
Make sure that the lawyer you’re considering has experience in the legal area of your charges. For example, if you’ve been charged with Impaired Driving, Auger Hollingsworth is a natural choice for legal counsel due to Richard’s many years handling a wide variety of driving offence cases.
2. How much experience does the firm have in the exact court where your case is pending?
If you’re being tried in Ottawa, get a criminal defence lawyer such as Richard Auger who knows the Ottawa court: the judges, the prosecutors, and what to expect. The same rule applies if you live in Smith’s Falls, Peterborough, or anywhere else in Ontario.
3. How many lawyers work together at the firm?
At Auger Hollingsworth, we recognize the value of cooperation and multiple inputs on any given case. That’s why we have three lawyers who collaborate to achieve the best results. To get the best results for your case, this is often a better option than hiring a lawyer who works alone.
4. Is the lawyer accessible?
If you have to leave lots of phone messages with your lawyer and you’re not hearing back, that’s a bad sign. At Auger Hollingsworth we pride ourselves on promptly returning calls from our clients, and invite them to check in on case progress at any time.
5. Does the firm care about YOUR side of the story?
The lawyer you choose should request from you a statement of case, a social history, and details on who your witnesses are. Auger Hollingsworth will work hard to gather all the facts from your end of the case – and anyone who doesn’t should not be the lawyer you hire to represent you.
6. Can the firm provide impressive testimonials?
The best way to find out about a firm’s client treatment and results is by checking out their client testimonials, like the ones we have on our own Testimonials page.
7. Does the lawyer make guarantees about your outcome?
It’s not smart to hire a lawyer who does – such guarantees are frowned upon by North American bar associations and most lawyers. At Auger Hollingsworth, we promise we will do our best to achieve your desired results, but will not guarantee a win in any criminal case.
8. How much will the lawyer charge for services?
Make sure you hire a lawyer who will enter into a retainer agreement, outlining the exact amount that will be paid.
Have you been charged with an Ontario criminal defence? Speaking with a lawyer is a great first step – even if he or she doesn’t take on your case, they can refer you to someone who might. For more information, contact the Ottawa criminal defence lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth by email [email protected] or by phone at (613) 699-8192.
